Legendary Dodger pitcher and current Spanish-language broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela will be recognized tomorrow at Central City Association (CCA) of Los Angeles' 16th Annual "Treasures of Los Angeles" luncheon held at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE in Downtown Los Angeles. Valenzuela will be joined by Laker legend James Worthy and other outstanding individuals and organizations of Los Angeles which are also being honored for exceptional contributions in the areas of arts and entertainment, healthcare, higher education, sports and urban revitalization. Valenzuela is one of many Dodgers to receive this honor. Past recipients include Hall of Fame Manager and Special Advisor to the Chairman Tommy Lasorda and Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe.

The annual "Treasures" event is one of the city's largest gatherings of elected officials, business leaders and prominent Angelenos. This year's luncheon features L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti as master of ceremonies.

"I'm very proud to share the stage with Laker legend James Worthy and all the recipients of this year's CCA Treasures award," said Valenzuela. "There isn't a city in the world that has had a bigger impact on me and to be honored by Los Angeles, the town that made my dreams come true is very humbling."

Valenzuela made his Major League debut with the Dodgers in 1980. The phenomenon of "Fernandomania" that ensued hit nationally and internationally. Valenzuela was the emergency starter on Opening Day, 1981. He hurled a 2-0 shutout over the Houston Astros, one of five shutouts in his first eight starts of the season. While leading the Dodgers to the World Championship that season, he became the first player in Major League history to be named Rookie of the Year and win a Cy Young Award in the same season.

That same year, Valenzuela earned the All-Star Game start in Cleveland. He still holds the rookie record for consecutive scoreless innings (35.0), as he began his Major League career with a 10-0 record and a 0.40 ERA (4ER/90.0 IP) including his late season call-up in 1980. In 17 big league seasons, Valenzuela compiled a 173-153 record and a 3.54 ERA with the Dodgers, Angels, Orioles, Phillies, Padres and Cardinals. He was named to the National League All-Star team for six consecutive seasons from 1981-1986 and in 1986 he won 20 games while also earning the Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

This year marks Valenzuela's eighth season as the analyst for the Dodgers' Spanish-radio broadcasts where he offers his insights from a 17-year big league career alongside Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín and Pepe Yñiguez during all Dodger home games and select road games.

In addition to Valenzuela, the Central City Association's 2010 "Treasures" are:

L.A. LIVE, Turning the Lights on Downtown

Tom Gilmore, Downtown L.A. Pioneer

The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, Advancing Critical Thought in Sexual Orientation Law

Central City Association is L.A.'s premier business advocacy organization, shaping public policy on a broad range of issues and the leading renaissance in Downtown Los Angeles. Established in 1924, CCA is a membership organization representing more than 450 businesses, trade associations, and non-profit organizations employing more than 300,000 people in Los Angeles County. Further information about the Central City Association can be found on its web site at www.ccala.org.